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(Gaithersburg, MD, February 4, 2007) How often do we read a quote in a book or article that resonates within us? For me it occurs often. One such book I recently started offered a challenging quote from Leo Buscaglia, “…so much of what you are not is because you are literally standing in your own way.” If we look at this quote through our association lens, the message holds as much promise and challenge for the organization as it does for us as the individuals Buscaglia originally targeted. As execs or board members we may blame our lack of sufficient organizational progress on a variety of excuses – limited available resources; or not enough time; or even in a pinch, not enough board support. What happens if we back up a few steps and look at that lack of progress with Buscaglia’s comments in mind? If the opportunity we face is truly worthy of our consideration and effort, what stands in our way?
If you are a board member, how much of your personal fear or misgivings prevent you from ‘risking’ some of the organization’s resources to sample the future. Might this new concept impact negatively (in terms of resources) on your favorite activity? Is your response another round of “we tried it that way once?” Or, as a senior staff member, does the challenge present staffing or resource allocation obstacles you are unwilling to undertake? Will you be forced to change your routine, learn a new skill, actually stretch a bit? What do your responses to these questions say about your commitment to the future of the profession or trade you serve? How do we get out of our own way, anyhow? After all, the organizational train has left the station; the organizational work plan is set not just one year ahead but several. One response that comes to mind is when you are in a hole the best way to get out is to put down the shovel. Look around at the landscape of your organization’s environment; look for a partner for the project or assign it to an up and coming deserving staff member to show their mettle. There is always a great fall back position, ask the membership. Give them a chance to engage in the vital discussions surrounding this opportunity, to become stakeholders in their own future; to be active participants is creating their own value proposition. The real challenge facing association executives is to raise the bar, for the members and for themselves. Ask for meaningful contributions to the direction of the organization, create excitement that enhances participation and is contagious among the membership. Leave the member anticipating the next great activity. This small but powerful act, fully engaging members in the creation of their organizational and professional future will go a long way toward helping the association get out of its own way. |
